Sunday, June 13, 2010

Gregory Van der wiel has reiterated his desire to play for the Arsenal, but the Gunners must be prepared to face stiff competition from the likes of Real Madrid, Juventus, Barcelona and Manchester City in their bid to sign the Dutch defender, whom they failed to snap about six months ago.

The impressive attacking right-back (according to his agent), who shot to public glare three-years ago as a promising starlet has refused to look back - he improves with every game he plays, thanks to former Tottenham Boss Martin Jol, who entrusts his defense to the capable hands of Van der wiel, and has contributed in no small way to the acceleration of his development by featuring him in almost all of their competitive matches last season. In fact Ajax's defensive record in the past two seasons is a testimony to his consistency for the Dutch giants.

The 22-year-old defender who was, and is still heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium said: "Of course it is nice to read that Arsenal are interested.

"I consider myself a good fit for the Premier League.

"Robin Van Persie has told me many stories about the Premier League, Arsenal and Mr (Arsene) Wenger, maybe he can put in a good word for me."

Looks like our flying dutchman is a good representative who should quickly sign up as our next chief of scouting operations when he eventually retires his scoring boots. I know this will be a herculean task, but I hope he succeeds in his bid to convince our manager, whose economic disposition is second to none.

The Holland international, who according to some keen observers of the beautiful round leather game is one of the hottest youth prospects still plying their trade for their respective clubs in the Eredivisie, acknowledged the presence of Barcelona and Real Madrid in the race for his signature: "I know that Barcelona and Real (Madrid) are interested," he quickly added. "But now I am only thinking about doing well at the World Cup in South Africa."

Inasmuch as, we'll love to see Gregory Van der Wiel don the colours of the Arsenal, the North London outfit must first of all, brace itself for a potential showdown with the player's representative Hakim Slimani. The agent declared last week that, if his client chooses to leave the Amsterdam Arena, his preferred destination would definitely be the Camp Nou, although he coyly admitted that no tangible offers have been recieved so far from a long list of prospective buyers currently linked with the defender.

Hakim told Sport: "He is focused on the World Cup, this is his first major competition and he is really excited. Moreover, no one has talked to us, and neither have Ajax talked to us about any offer.

"It would be great to sign for Barca. For me they are the best team in the World and the one that plays the best, and Gregory thinks the same.

"Moreover, at Barca, (Johan) Cruyff, (Johan) Neeskens, (Philip) Cocu and many others have triumphed. For the Dutch it is a very special club."

Mr. Hakim spoke well of his client, during the descriptive process he dubbed Van der wiel an attack-minded defender who "represents the future of football."

His description of Van der wiel: "He is a very attacking full-back, also capable of playing at the centre of the defence," he continued. "I think he perfectly represents the future of football.

"Moreover, he scored six goals in the last Eredivisie season and was shown only four yellow cards despite having played in absolutely everything. He is a great attacker and he knows how to defend without making fouls."

We might get to see the best of Gregory Van der wiel tomorrow, as Holland prepares to consolidate their position as one of the tournament's favourites against an under-strength Denmark side.